Umbrella curtain kit

ABSTRACT

An umbrella curtain kit enables a user to outfit an umbrella to shield a user from elements having horizontal velocity. The kit comprises a curtain, a plurality of clips, and a plurality of sleeve members. The curtain comprises a plurality of clip-receiving apertures. The clip-receiving apertures extend from an inner curtain surface to an outer curtain surface adjacent a superior curtain end. The sleeve members each comprise rib-receiving structure. The clips each comprise an aperture-engaging end, a sleeve-engaging end, and a structure gateway. Each structure gateway accepts and directs certain structure into a select clip end. Each sleeve member is receivable by a select umbrella rib member for positioning the sleeve-engaging ends and the clip receiving apertures held by the clips in inferior adjacency to an outer umbrella periphery. Thus, the curtain is positioned substantially equidistant from an umbrella upright and shields the user from elements having horizontal velocity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a kit for outfitting umbrellas and the like with a curtain for enhancing the overall effectiveness of the umbrella. More particularly, the present invention relates to a kit for outfitting umbrellas of varied sizes and shapes with a curtain, the outfitted umbrella for shielding the user from elements having both vertical and horizontal velocity components.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A number of combination umbrella-curtain devices are known in the prior art. Some of the more pertinent prior art relating to combination umbrella-curtain devices is briefly described, hereinafter.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,221,366 ('366 Patent), which issued to Bisbing et al., discloses an Umbrella Robe. The '366 Patent teaches an apron adapted to be attached to umbrellas and the like including a flat rectangular fabric body formed into a cylindrical shape, with the free edges overlapping, means accessible only from the inside of the cylinder for fastening the overlapping edges together, an aperture on the side of the cylinder opposed to the overlapping edges, adjacent the upper boundary of the apron, a flap adapted to partially close the aperture, the flap being permanently attached to the body of the cylinder along its lower edges and adjustable means along the opposed ends of the flap for removably attaching it to the body of the cylinder, the width of the flap in a direction parallel with the overlapping edges being less than the width of the aperture.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,546,228 ('228 Patent), which issued to Martini, discloses an Umbrella. The '228 Patent teaches a foldable umbrella comprising a central handle support, a top adjustable upon the support between raised and lowered positions, a shield of flexible material connected to the outer portions of the umbrella top and adapted to be extended downwardly over the person using the umbrella to protect him from the sides, and a raising mechanism for the shield carried on the handle rod support and including cables extending outwardly for attachment to the shield whereby upon the operation of the mechanism the shield may be raised into the umbrella top, said mechanism on the central handle support and the spool connected thereto to rotate thereon, a coil spring connected between the handle support and the spool and adapted to be wound as the cords on the spool are unwound to be extended for the lowering of the shield, and releasable means engaging with the spool to normally retain the spool against the action of the spring and while the shield is lowered, said mechanism being operable upon the release of the spool to cause the shield to be automatically raised into the umbrella top. The combination and said releasable means comprising ratchet teeth formation on the spool, a pawl adapted to engage the ratchet teeth formation on the spool, said handle support having a slot into which the pawl may be depressed to disengage the same from the ratchet teeth formation on the spool.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,151,621 ('621 Patent), which issued to Jackson, discloses an Umbrella Shield. The '621 Patent teaches a spool and a length of flexible strip material rollably received thereon, said spool being elongate and having flange plates secured to the ends thereof, hook receiving projections extending from said flange plates and a hook eyelet extending from one of said flanges, said flexible strip material being substantially the width of said spool and including ends and first and second side edges, a plurality of eyelet openings adjacent said first side edges, said openings being respectively spaced and extending the length of said strip material, hook members provided at one end of said strip material, hook members provided at one end of said strip material in the region of the side edges thereof, said hook members being adapted for securement to said hook receiving projections, the other end of said strip material being fastened to said elongate spool transversely thereof, said hook eyelet and said plurality of eyelet openings being removably receivable upon the extremity portions of the ribs of an umbrella, whereafter attachment, said combination depends as a shield peripherally of the umbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,419,024 ('024 Patent), which issued to Nickerson, Jr., discloses a Portable Shelter. The '024 patent teaches a shelter comprising, in combination, a support having a leg member and a branch portion mounted contiguous with the top of said leg member, said branch portion including a periphery, a sheet-like apron hanging downwardly from said periphery, said apron having a top portion and a bottom portion, said top portion including a terminus, said terminus forming a perimeter smaller in size than the size of the perimeter of the periphery of said branch portion whereby said top portion overlaps said periphery of said branch portion and is supported from the ground thereby, said apron and said branch portion coacting to provide a seal contiguous with said overlap.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,477,453 ('453 Patent), which issued to D'Ulisse et al., discloses a Net Adapter for Converting Umbrella to Shelter from Insects. The '453 Patent teaches an adaptor consisting of a dome-shaped covering for beach type umbrellas, made of net impenetratable by winged and other insects, adapted to rest on the roof of the umbrella and possessing sidewalls that extend to the ground. A hole is provided in the center of the covering to permit the umbrella support pole to protrude therethrough, and loops are provided at the bottom, perimetral portions of the sidewalls for use in staking the adaptor to the ground. Devices are provided on the dome of the adaptor for securing it to the umbrella or preventing motion of the adaptor relative to the umbrella, or preventing motion of the adaptor relative to the umbrella, examples of such devices including rubber, anchor-like grippers, or magnetic or magnetizable materials which coact with magnetizable or magnetic materials on the surface of the umbrella.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,899,168 ('168 Patent), which issued to Besherse, discloses an Umbrella Puppet Stage. The '168 Patent teaches a portable umbrella puppet stage for concealing a puppeteer within a foldable enclosure and for providing a performing area for a puppet. The stage is comprised of a collapsible umbrella roof having a circumferential skirt depending from the circular peripheral edge of the umbrella roof. The roof includes a central upright support that may be hand-held or connected to a stand mechanism for supporting the stage at prescribed elevations about a support surface. The skirt includes a rectangular stage opening. A backdrop to the opening is spaced inwardly toward the central support from the stage opening. The backdrop is comprised of a flexible fabric material depending from the umbrella roof. Selective height adjustment of the stage in relation to a support surface may be provided by the stand mechanism. Further, the complete assembly including the umbrella roof, skirt, backdrop, and stand mechanism may be collapsed and folded into a relatively small package for storage or transportation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,931 ('931 Patent), which issued to Hall, discloses an Umbrella Shelter. The '931 Patent teaches a rectangular umbrella with its supporting pole positioned at the middle of the back edge so as not to obstruct the space under the umbrella. A vertical sheet of fabric hangs from the back edge and portions of the side edges of the umbrella. This partial enclosure is completed by a removable front panel having a transparent upper portion and attachment means for connection with the umbrella and forward side edges of said vertical back fabric. The umbrella pole may be mounted on a stadium bench for sports spectators, on a boat seat for fishermen or duck hunters, or thrust into the ground for bird and big game hunters.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,712 ('712 Patent), which issued to Robinson, discloses a Screen Apparatus. The '712 Patent teaches a combination beach umbrella and screen apparatus including a flexible screen which is detachably affixed around the perimeter of the shade portion, or covering of the umbrella. The screen extends downward from the covering along the entire periphery thereof, thereby forming a screened in closure that may effectively be employed at the beach or other outdoor areas to provide shade, additionally, provide protection from annoying pestering insects, and adverse inclemental weather.

It will thus be seen from a review of the above-referenced patents and other prior art generally known to exist that the prior art does not teach an umbrella curtain kit for outfitting variously sized and shaped umbrellas having a central upright, a plurality of radiating rib members, and a canopy supported by the rib members. The prior art thus perceives a need for an umbrella curtain kit for outfitting a widely varied family of umbrellas having a central upright, a plurality of radiating rib members, and a canopy supported by the rib members.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a low cost kit for enhancing the effectiveness of common umbrella or parasol assemblies. In this regard, it is contemplated that the kit of the present invention may be utilized to outfit umbrellas having various shapes and dimensions. Further, it is contemplated that the kit may be utilized to outfit an umbrella for shielding the user not only from downwardly moving matter and/or energy, but also from matter having horizontal velocity components. To achieve these and other readily apparent objectives, the present invention provides a curtain kit for outfitting an umbrella. The outfitted umbrella shields a user from elements having both vertical and horizontal velocity. The curtain kit comprises a curtain, a plurality of clips, and a plurality of sleeve members. The curtain comprises a superior curtain end, first and second lateral end portions, an inner curtain surface, an outer curtain surface, and a plurality of clip-receiving apertures. The clip-receiving apertures extend from the inner curtain surface to the outer curtain surface adjacent the superior curtain end. The sleeve members each comprise a sleeve length and rib-receiving means. The clips each comprise an aperture-engaging end, a sleeve-engaging end, and a structure gateway. The structure gateway accepts and directs structure into a select clip end, the select clip end being selected from the group consisting of the aperture-engaging end and the sleeve-engaging end. Each sleeve member is receivable by a select umbrella rib member. The sleeve length essentially positions the sleeve-engaging ends in inferior, radially inward adjacency to an outer umbrella periphery. The clips are cooperatively associated with the clip-receiving apertures and the sleeve members for positioning the superior curtain end in inferior, radially inward adjacency to the outer umbrella periphery. The inner curtain surface is thus positionable substantially equidistant from a central umbrella upright so that the outer curtain surface may more effectively shield the user from select elements having horizontal velocity.

Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated or become apparent from, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features of my invention will become more evident from a consideration of the following brief description of my patent drawings, as follows:

FIG. No. 1 is a bottom perspective view of an umbrella outfitted with elements as contained in the umbrella curtain kit of the present invention.

FIG. No. 2 is a plan view of the inner surface of a curtain element as unfolded and readied for outfitted attachment to an umbrella.

FIG. No. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the left terminal aperture as outfitted in inferior, radially inward adjacency to the outer canopy periphery.

FIG. No. 3(a) is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of the left terminal aperture as outfitted in inferior, radially inward adjacency to the outer canopy periphery.

FIG. No. 4 is a top perspective view of the umbrella curtain kit as packaged and ready for storage and/or shipment.

FIG. No. 5 is a proximal end view of a clip element and a sleeve element as attached to a rib member having a rib terminus shown in broken lines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the present invention concerns an umbrella curtain kit 10 as generally illustrated and referenced in FIG. No. 4. The umbrella curtain kit 10 is presentable in the form of a boxed package 11 or similar other package for ease of storage or shipping, and the like. It will be seen from an inspection of FIG. No. 4 that the boxed package 11 or similar other package contains various elements of the kit as contemplated by the present invention. In this regard, it is contemplated that umbrella curtain kit 10 preferably comprises an umbrella 17 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1 and 4; a curtain 20 as illustrated in FIG. Nos. 1-4; a plurality of sleeves or sleeve members 30 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 3-5; and a plurality of clips 40 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 3-5.

The present invention or umbrella curtain kit 10 is designed to enable users thereof to outfit umbrellas of various types, shapes, and sizes with a protective curtain. In this regard, it is contemplated that the umbrella curtain kit 10 could conceivably be utilized in combination with a common rain umbrella, a beach umbrella, a parasol, a golf umbrella, a collapsible umbrella, a patio umbrella, etcetera. The outfitted umbrella is designed to shield a user from atmospheric conditions or select elements as found in the regions surrounding the user, which elements inherently have both vertical and horizontal velocity components. In other words, during rainfall, rain droplets typically fall from the sky toward the Earth under gravitational forces. Thus, the rain droplets tend to have a downward (toward the center of the Earth) velocity. However, at times, horizontal wind conditions may impart forces upon the rain droplets and thus the rain droplets may develop certain horizontal velocity components. Other select elements such as wind itself, air-borne sleet, air-borne dust, and sunshine all tend to have both vertical and horizontal velocity components (at least to some degree) and thus umbrellas outfitted with curtains function to shield or block the elements as driven against a user by providing a barrier intermediate the person and the select elements. Typically umbrellas are designed to prevent elements having primarily vertically downward velocity (such as rain) from contacting the user. Curtains are designed to prevent elements having horizontal velocity from passing beyond the curtain, such as shower curtains that function to prevent shower water droplets from entering the regions adjacent the shower stall or window curtains that function to prevent light from entering or exiting a room outfitted with windows.

A typical umbrella or umbrella assembly comprises a central upright 12 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1 and 4; a plurality of rib members 13 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 3, 3(a), and 5; and a canopy member 14 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 3, 3(a), and 4. Rib members 13 each inherently have a distal rib end, a proximal rib end, and a substantially uniform rib length extending intermediate the distal and proximal rib ends. The rib lengths each typically have a substantially uniform transverse peripheral rib dimension as illustrated and referenced in FIG. No. 5 at 15(a). The distal rib ends each comprise a rib terminus 16 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 3, 3(a), and 5. The rib termini 16 each have a substantially uniform transverse peripheral terminal dimension as will be seen from an inspection of FIG. No. 5 at 16(a). It will be further seen from an inspection of FIG. No. 5 that the terminal dimension 16(a) is preferably greater in magnitude than the rib dimension 15(a).

The proximal rib ends of the umbrella assembly are typically hingedly attached to central upright 12 as generally depicted in FIG. No. 1. In this regard, it will be seen from a comparative inspection of FIG. Nos. 1 and 4 that rib members 13 are in a pivotally open state in FIG. No. 1 and in a pivotally closed state in FIG. No. 4. In either case, rib members 13 extend radially outward from central upright 12 in varying degrees depending on whether the umbrella 17 is in a closed state or in an open state. It will be generally understood that the umbrella 17 in FIG. No. 4 comprises radiating rib members hidden from view since the umbrella 17 is shown in a closed state. FIG. No. 1 on the other hand depicts an umbrella in an open state. It will be readily understood that collapsible umbrellas of the type illustrated and exceedingly common and thus well known in the art. Thus, it is believed that no further description of rib members 13 need be presented here.

Canopy member 14 is preferably constructed from cotton, plastic film, or nylon materials. Umbrella covers or canopies have, over the course of history, been made of canvas, gingham, or silk. Newer methodologies and products have proved superior to traditional materials and thus the preferred material(s) used in the construction of canopy member 14 are cotton, plastic film, or nylon of which nylon is most commonly used and preferred. Canopy member 14 inherently has a superior canopy surface 18 as referenced in FIG. No. 1; an inferior canopy surface 19 as referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 3, and 3(a); and, preferably, a substantially circular outer canopy periphery as generally depicted in FIG. No. 1. Notably, canopy member 14 is preferably supported by rib members 13. The outer canopy periphery preferably comprises a select arc length extending intermediate select rib termini 16 for receiving a curtain 20 in adjacency thereto. Curtain 20 is illustrated and referenced in FIG. No. 1 as attached to umbrella 17 adjacent the select arc length extending intermediate select rib termini 16(l) and 16(r). Curtain 20 is further illustrated and referenced in FIG. No. 2 in an expanded state; in FIG. Nos. 3 and 3(a) in fragmentary form; and FIG. No. 4 in a folded state for storage or shipping in package 11. Notably canopy 14 may alternatively comprise an outer canopy periphery having a geometric configuration other than circular, such as square, octagonal, hexagonal. Whatever shape is desired by the user, it is contemplated that umbrella curtain kit 10 will operate to enable the user to properly outfit the same.

Curtain 20 is preferably a substantially rectangular curtain member and is constructed from the same material as canopy member 14. In most cases, the preferred material will thus be nylon. Curtain 20 comprises a superior curtain end 21 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 2-4; an inferior curtain end 22 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1 and 2; a left lateral end 23 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1-3(a); a right lateral end 24 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1 and 2; an inner curtain surface 25 as referenced in FIG. Nos. 1-3(a); an outer curtain surface 26 as referenced in FIG. No. 4; a curtain length extending intermediate superior and inferior curtain ends 21 and 22; a curtain width extending intermediate left and right lateral ends 23 and 24; and a plurality of grommet-reinforced, clip-receiving apertures 27 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 2 and 4. In this regard, it is contemplated that the clip-receiving apertures 27 are preferably outfitted with reinforcement means for providing structural stability to the clip-receiving apertures 27. Grommets, or similar other reinforcing means, may preferably fulfill this function. It will be noted from an inspection of FIG. Nos. 1 and 2 that left lateral end 23 appears on the right of the drawing figure(s) and right lateral end 24 appears on the left of the drawing figure(s). For purposes of this specification, the left and right sides of curtain 20 are to be dictated from the user's point of view. In this regard, it is contemplated that the user, holding umbrella 17 as outfitted with curtain 20, will ordinarily orient curtain 20 so that the same is to the back or posterior side of the user. In this sense, then, left lateral end 23 will be on the user's (posterior) left hand side and right lateral end 24 will be on the user's (posterior) left hand side. The curtain length preferably measures about 30 inches. In this regard, it is contemplated that the curtain length functions to shield upper bodily portions of the user from select elements having horizontal velocity and thus a curtain length of about 30 inches will sufficiently shield the upper portions of a typical user for horizontally directed elements.

The clip-receiving apertures 27 preferably comprise a right terminal aperture as referenced at 27(r) in FIG. No. 2 and a left terminal aperture as referenced at 27(l) in FIG. Nos. 1, 3, and 3(a). The clip-receiving apertures 27 extend from inner curtain surface 18 to outer curtain surface 19 and are preferably spaced intermediate left and right lateral ends 23 and 24 adjacent superior curtain end 21. The right terminal aperture 27(r) is preferably spatially located adjacent right lateral end 24 and superior end 21 (i.e. at the upper right hand comer of curtain 20), and the left terminal aperture 27(l) is preferably spatially located adjacent left lateral end 23 and superior end 21 (i.e. at the upper left hand comer of curtain 20). The clip-receiving apertures 27 may further comprise select aperture spacing, the select aperture spacing being selected from the group consisting of grouped aperture spacing as generally depicted in FIG. No. 2 at 50 or a substantially uniform aperture spacing as generally depicted in FIG. No. 4 at 51. In order to accommodate umbrellas or parasols of varying dimensions and shapes, it is contemplated that curtain 20 may comprise various preset aperture arrangements so that select apertures can be utilized to outfit umbrella 17, whether via a grouped aperture spacing or via a uniform aperture spacing.

The rib-encircling sleeves or sleeve members 30 preferably comprise a distal sleeve end as generally depicted in FIG. Nos. 3 and 3(a); a proximal sleeve end as generally depicted in FIG. Nos. 3 and 3(a) and as illustrated and referenced in FIG. No. 5 at 33; an inner sleeve surface as referenced at 31 in FIG. No. 5; an outer sleeve surface as referenced at 32 in FIG. No. 5; a substantially uniform sleeve length extending intermediate the distal sleeve ends and the proximal sleeve ends 33 as generally depicted in FIG. Nos. 3 and 3(a); a substantially uniform sleeve thickness extending intermediate the inner and outer sleeve surfaces 31 and 32 as generally depicted in FIG. No. 5, and means for encircling the sleeve member 30 about a select rib member 13 otherwise referred to as rib-receiving means. The sleeves or sleeve members 30 are preferably formed or constructed from a flexible, high memory material such as rubber or plastic and the means for encircling the sleeve member about a select rib member 13 may preferably be defined by a rib-receiving slot 34 formed in each sleeve member 30 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. No. 5. From an inspection of FIG. No. 5, it will be seen that rib-receiving slot(s) 34 extend from inner sleeve surface 31 to outer sleeve surface 32 and do so along the entire sleeve length. The rib members 13 are thus receivable at the inner sleeve surfaces 31 via the rib-receiving slots 34 by expanding the rib-receiving width of the slots 34, inserting rib members 13 therethrough. The flexible, high memory material of sleeve members 30 thus functions to maintain the sleeve members 30 in encircled relation relative to the rib members 13. It will be noted from a careful inspection of FIG. No. 5 that the inner sleeve surface 31 inherently has a transverse peripheral inner sleeve dimension as generally referenced at 31(a), and the outer sleeve surface 32 inherently has a transverse peripheral outer sleeve dimension as generally referenced at 32(a). From an inspection of FIG. Nos. 3 and 3(a), it will be understood that the sleeve length is preferably of lesser magnitude than the rib length.

Clips 40 each preferably formed from a flexible, loopable material such as spring steel. The clips 40 each preferably comprise a looped aperture-engaging end 41 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. No. 5; a looped rib-engaging end 42 or sleeve-engaging end as illustrated and referenced in FIG. No. 5; and a structure gateway 43 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. No. 5. The structure gateway 43 is designed to accept and direct a select clip-receiving aperture 27 into the aperture-engaging end 41, and further for accepting and directing a select rib member 13 into the rib-engaging end 42. Notably, the aperture-receiving ends 41 and the rib-receiving ends 42 are substantially planar in form as may be understood from an inspection of the noted figures. Thus, when in an outfitted state, the aperture-receiving ends 41 will necessarily lie in a plurality of aperture-receiving planes and the rib-receiving ends 42 will lie in a plurality of rib-receiving planes. It is further contemplated that the aperture-receiving planes and the rib-receiving planes may be situated relative to one another in a select plane orientation when in an outfitted state, the select plane orientation being selected from the group consisting of a coplanar orientation and an orthogonal orientation. In other words, if the user desires that the looped ends 41 and 42 of clips 40 be substantially coplanar then a coplanar orientation can be utilized. If on the other hand, the user is desirous of having an orthogonal relationship between the aperture-receiving planes and the rib-receiving planes (for example, to allow the curtain to more properly align in inferior adjacency to the outer canopy periphery), then the orthogonal orientation can be selected.

To outfit the umbrella 17 with the curtain 20, each sleeve member 30 encircles a select rib member 13 adjacent the distal rib end such that the distal rib end and the distal sleeve end are juxtaposed as generally depicted in FIG. Nos. 3 and 3(a). Notably, the terminal dimension 16(a) is greater in magnitude than the inner sleeve dimension 31(a) and thus functions to maintain the sleeve members 30 in encircled relation relative to the rib members 13. The rib-receiving ends 42 each inherently have a substantially uniform inner transverse peripheral rib-receiving dimension as referenced at 44(a). It will be further noted that the inner rib-receiving dimension 44 is greater in magnitude than the terminal dimension 16(a) and lesser in magnitude than the outer sleeve dimension 32(a). The rib-receiving ends 42 are thus looped about select rib members 13 and the proximal sleeve ends 33 function to maintain the rib-receiving ends 42 in looped relation about the select rib members 13 inwardly adjacent to the outer canopy periphery as generally depicted in FIG. Nos. 3 and 3(a). The aperture-receiving ends 41 receive select clip-receiving apertures 27. The curtain width is thus preferably lesser in magnitude than the select arc length (the curtain being affixed in inferior, radially inward adjacency to the outer canopy periphery by a radial distance substantially equal to the sleeve length). The inner curtain surface 18 is thus positionable substantially equidistant from the central upright in a semi-cylindrical manner. Together, the outer curtain surface 26 and the superior canopy surface 18 function to shield the user from select elements having vertical and horizontal velocity.

In order to make the umbrella curtain kit 10 more appealing for users, it is contemplated that the kits 10 can be compiled with various colored materials so as to color coordinate non umbrella components with umbrella components. In other words, it is contemplated that canopy member 14 may comprise certain canopy coloration and the curtain 20 may comprise certain curtain coloration, the canopy coloration and the curtain coloration being color-coordinated. It is further contemplated in this last regard that the canopy coloration at the superior canopy surface 18 may be selectively varied as compared to the canopy coloration at the inferior canopy surface 19. Further, it is contemplated that the curtain coloration at the outer curtain surface 26 and the curtain coloration at the inner curtain surface 21 may be selectively varied. While being selectively varied, it is contemplated that the selectively varied coloration may still be color coordinated.

While the above description contains much specificity, this specificity should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the invention. For example, as is described hereinabove, it is contemplated that the present invention essentially discloses a curtain kit for outfitting a user-protective curtain upon an umbrella assembly having a central upright, a plurality of rib members, and a canopy member. The outfitted umbrella assembly is designed for shielding a user from select elements having horizontal velocity.

The curtain kit comprises, in combination, a curtain, a plurality of clips, and a plurality of sleeve members. The curtain comprises a superior curtain end, an inferior curtain end, first and second lateral end portions, an inner curtain surface, an outer curtain surface, a curtain length extending intermediate the superior and inferior curtain ends, a curtain width extending intermediate the first and second lateral end portions, and a plurality of clip-receiving apertures. The clip-receiving apertures extend from the inner curtain surface to the outer curtain surface and are spaced intermediate the left and right lateral ends adjacent the superior curtain end. The sleeve members comprise a distal sleeve end, a proximal sleeve end, an inner sleeve surface, an outer sleeve surface, a sleeve length extending intermediate the distal and proximal sleeve ends, and rib-receiving means. The clips each comprise an aperture-engaging end, a rib-engaging end, and a structure gateway. The structure gateway accepts and directs a select clip-receiving aperture into the aperture-engaging end and further accepts and directs a select rib member into the rib-engaging end.

Each sleeve member is received by a select rib member adjacent a distal end thereof such that the distal end of the select umbrella rib member and the distal sleeve end are juxtaposed. The proximal sleeve ends position the rib-receiving ends in inferior, radially inward adjacency to an outer periphery of the canopy member. The clips are thus cooperatively associated with the clip-receiving apertures and the sleeve members for positioning the superior curtain end in inferior, radially inward adjacency to the outer periphery of the canopy member. The inner curtain surface is thus positioned substantially equidistant from the central upright so that the outer curtain surface may effectively shield the user from select elements having horizontal velocity.

Accordingly, although the invention has been described by reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended that the novel kit be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the following claims and the appended drawings. 

1. An umbrella curtain kit for outfitting an umbrella with a protective curtain, the outfitted umbrella for shielding a user from select elements having vertical and horizontal velocity, the umbrella curtain kit comprising, in combination: an umbrella, the umbrella comprising a central upright, a plurality of rib members, and a canopy member, the rib members each comprising a distal rib end, a proximal rib end, and a substantially uniform rib length extending intermediate the distal and proximal rib ends, the rib lengths each having a substantially uniform transverse peripheral rib dimension, the distal rib ends each comprising a rib terminus, the rib termini each having a substantially uniform transverse peripheral terminal dimension, the terminal dimension being greater in magnitude than the rib dimension, the proximal rib ends being hingedly attached to the central upright, the rib members extending radially outward from the central upright, the canopy member having a superior canopy surface, an inferior canopy surface, and a substantially circular outer canopy periphery, the canopy member being supported by the rib members, the outer canopy periphery comprising a select arc length, the select arc length extending intermediate select rib termini; a substantially rectangular curtain, the curtain comprising a superior curtain end, an inferior curtain end, a left lateral end, a right lateral end, an inner curtain surface, an outer curtain surface, a curtain length extending intermediate the superior and inferior curtain ends, a curtain width extending intermediate the left and right lateral ends, and a plurality of grommet-reinforced, clip-receiving apertures, the clip-receiving apertures comprising a right terminal aperture and a left terminal aperture, the clip-receiving apertures extending from the inner curtain surface to the outer curtain surface and being spaced intermediate the left and right lateral ends adjacent the superior curtain end, the right terminal aperture being spatially located adjacent the right lateral end and the superior end and the left terminal aperture being spatially located adjacent the left lateral and superior end; a plurality of rib-encircling sleeves, the rib-encircling sleeves each comprising a distal sleeve end, a proximal sleeve end, an inner sleeve surface, an outer sleeve surface, a substantially uniform sleeve length extending intermediate the distal and proximal sleeve ends, a substantially uniform sleeve thickness extending intermediate the inner and outer sleeve surfaces, and means for encircling a select rib member, the inner sleeve surface having a transverse peripheral inner sleeve dimension, the outer sleeve surface having a transverse peripheral outer sleeve dimension, the sleeve length being lesser in magnitude than the rib length; and a plurality of clips, the clips each being formed from a loopable material, the clips each comprising a looped aperture-engaging end, a looped rib-engaging end, and a structure gateway, each structure gateway for accepting and directing a select clip-receiving aperture into the aperture-engaging end and further for accepting and directing a select rib member into the rib-engaging end, each sleeve encircling a select rib member adjacent the distal rib end such that the distal rib end and the distal sleeve end are juxtaposed, the terminal dimension being greater in magnitude than the inner sleeve dimension for maintaining the sleeves in encircled relation relative to the rib members, the rib-receiving ends each having a substantially uniform inner transverse peripheral rib-receiving dimension, the inner rib-receiving dimension being greater in magnitude than the terminal dimension and lesser in magnitude than the outer sleeve dimension, the rib-receiving ends being looped about select rib members, the proximal sleeve ends for maintaining the rib-receiving ends in looped relation about the select rib members inwardly adjacent to the outer canopy periphery, the aperture-receiving ends receiving select clip-receiving apertures, the curtain width being lesser in magnitude than the select arc length, the inner curtain surface being positionable substantially equidistant from the central upright, the outer curtain surface and the superior canopy surface for shielding the user from select elements having vertical and horizontal velocity.
 2. The umbrella curtain kit of claim 1 wherein the curtain length measures about 30 inches, the curtain length for shielding upper bodily portions of the user from select elements having horizontal velocity.
 3. The umbrella curtain kit of claim 1 wherein the sleeves are formed from a high memory material and the means for encircling a select rib member are defined by a rib-receiving slot formed in each sleeve, the rib-receiving slots extending from the inner sleeve surfaces to the outer sleeve surfaces along the sleeve lengths, the rib members being receivable at the inner sleeve surfaces via the rib-receiving slots, the high memory material for maintaining the sleeves in encircled relation relative to the rib members.
 4. The umbrella curtain kit of claim 1 wherein the canopy member comprises canopy coloration and the curtain comprises curtain coloration, the canopy coloration and the curtain coloration being color-coordinated.
 5. The umbrella curtain kit of claim 4 wherein the canopy coloration at the superior canopy surface and the inferior canopy surface and the curtain coloration at the outer curtain surface and the inner curtain surface is selectively varied.
 6. The umbrella curtain kit of claim 1 wherein the aperture-receiving ends and the rib-receiving ends are substantially planar, the aperture-receiving ends lying in a plurality of aperture-receiving planes, the rib-receiving ends lying in a plurality of rib-receiving planes, the aperture-receiving planes and the rib-receiving planes being situated relative to one another in a select plane orientation, the select plane orientation being selected from the group consisting of a coplanar orientation and an orthogonal orientation.
 7. The umbrella curtain kit of claim 1 wherein the clip-receiving apertures comprise a select aperture spacing, the select aperture spacing being selected from the group consisting of grouped aperture spacing and substantially uniform aperture spacing.
 8. A curtain kit for outfitting a user-protective curtain upon an umbrella assembly having a central upright, a plurality of rib members, and a canopy member, the outfitted umbrella assembly for shielding a user from select elements having horizontal velocity, the curtain kit comprising, in combination a curtain, a plurality of clips, and a plurality of sleeve members, the curtain comprising a superior curtain end, an inferior curtain end, first and second lateral end portions, an inner curtain surface, an outer curtain surface, a curtain length extending intermediate the superior and inferior curtain ends, a curtain width extending intermediate the first and second lateral end portions, and a plurality of clip-receiving apertures, the clip-receiving apertures extending from the inner curtain surface to the outer curtain surface and being spaced intermediate the left and right lateral ends adjacent the superior curtain end, the sleeve members each comprising a distal sleeve end, a proximal sleeve end, an inner sleeve surface, an outer sleeve surface, a sleeve length extending intermediate the distal and proximal sleeve ends, and rib-receiving means, the clips each comprising an aperture-engaging end, a rib-engaging end, and a structure gateway, each structure gateway for accepting and directing a select clip-receiving aperture into the aperture-engaging end and further for accepting and directing a select rib member into the rib-engaging end, each sleeve member being received by a select rib member adjacent a distal end thereof such that the distal end of the select umbrella rib member and the distal sleeve end are juxtaposed, the proximal sleeve ends for positioning the rib-receiving ends in inferior, inward adjacency to an outer periphery of the canopy member, the clips being cooperatively associated with the clip-receiving apertures and the sleeve members for positioning the superior curtain end in inferior, radially inward adjacency to the outer periphery of the canopy member, the inner curtain surface being positioned substantially equidistant from the central upright, the outer curtain surface for shielding the user from select elements having horizontal velocity.
 9. The curtain kit of claim 8 wherein the curtain length measures about 30 inches, the curtain length for shielding upper bodily portions of the user from select elements having horizontal velocity.
 10. The curtain kit of claim 8 wherein the sleeve members are formed from a high memory material and the rib-receiving means are defined by a rib-receiving slot formed in each sleeve member, the rib-receiving slots extending from the inner sleeve surfaces to the outer sleeve surfaces along the sleeve lengths, the rib members being receivable at the inner sleeve surfaces via the rib-receiving slots, the high memory material for maintaining the sleeve members in encircled relation about the rib members.
 11. The curtain kit of claim 8 wherein the aperture-receiving ends and the rib-receiving ends are substantially planar, the aperture-receiving ends lying in a plurality of aperture-receiving planes, the rib-receiving ends lying in a plurality of rib-receiving planes, the aperture-receiving planes and the rib-receiving planes being situated relative to one another in a select plane orientation, the select plane orientation being selected from the group consisting of a coplanar orientation and an orthogonal orientation.
 12. The curtain kit of claim 8 wherein the clip-receiving apertures are selectively spaced as selected from a space grouping, the space grouping consisting of a grouped aperture spacing and a substantially uniform aperture spacing.
 13. The curtain kit of claim 12 wherein the clip-receiving apertures are outfitted with reinforcement means, the reinforcement means for providing structural stability to the clip-receiving apertures.
 14. The curtain kit of claim 8 wherein the canopy member comprises canopy coloration and the curtain comprises curtain coloration, the canopy coloration and the curtain coloration being color-coordinated.
 15. A curtain kit for outfitting an umbrella, the outfitted umbrella for shielding a user from elements having horizontal velocity, the curtain kit comprising a curtain, a plurality of clips, and a plurality of sleeve members, the curtain comprising a superior curtain end, first and second lateral end portions, an inner curtain surface, an outer curtain surface, and a plurality of clip-receiving apertures, the clip-receiving apertures extending from the inner curtain surface to the outer curtain surface adjacent the superior curtain end, the sleeve members each comprising a sleeve length and rib-receiving means, the clips each comprising an aperture-engaging end, a sleeve-engaging end, and a structure gateway, each structure gateway accepting and directing structure into a select clip end, the select clip end being selected from the group consisting of the aperture-engaging end and the sleeve-engaging end, each sleeve member being receivable by a select umbrella rib member, the sleeve length for positioning the sleeve-engaging ends in inferior, radially inward adjacency to an outer umbrella periphery, the clips being cooperatively associated with the clip-receiving apertures and the sleeve members for positioning the superior curtain end in inferior inward adjacency to the outer umbrella periphery, the inner curtain surface being substantially equidistant from a central umbrella upright, the outer curtain surface for shielding the user from elements having horizontal velocity.
 16. The curtain kit of claim 15 wherein the sleeve members are formed from a high memory material and the rib-receiving means are defined by a rib-receiving slot formed in each sleeve member, the rib-receiving slots each extending from an inner sleeve surface to an outer sleeve surface along the sleeve length, a plurality of umbrella rib members being receivable at the inner sleeve surfaces via the rib-receiving slots, the high memory material for maintaining the sleeve members in encircled relation about the rib members.
 17. The curtain kit of claim 15 wherein the aperture-receiving ends and the rib-receiving ends are substantially planar, the aperture-receiving ends lying in a plurality of aperture-receiving planes, the rib-receiving ends lying in a plurality of rib-receiving planes, the aperture-receiving planes and the rib-receiving planes being situated relative to one another in a select plane orientation, the select plane orientation being selected from the group consisting of a substantially coplanar orientation and a substantially orthogonal orientation.
 18. The curtain kit of claim 15 wherein the clip-receiving apertures are selectively spaced as selected from a space grouping, the space grouping consisting of a grouped aperture spacing and a substantially uniform aperture spacing.
 19. The curtain kit of claim 18 wherein the clip-receiving apertures are outfitted with reinforcement means, the reinforcement means for providing structural stability to the clip-receiving apertures.
 20. The curtain kit of claim 15 wherein the curtain is color-coordinated with the outfitted umbrella. 